Headphone Comparison Test:
Killer B's & Gray Ghost (Original)

By

Michael Stephan

NIRRS CLUB MEMBER

Introduction

Often overlooked, headphones are a necessity for every metal detectorist. While there are several designs on the market, they all can be grouped into two specific categories: music phones and detectorist phones.

While working on a program on headphones to present to my local club, I came across two particular companies of interest. Both companies have additional options/models with added features that might be of interest to a potential buyer but my evaluation only includes the base models from these companies. What follows are my observations and expressed opinions on these two models. Your opinions may differ!

Both from the detectorist category, the first set is a new product from B&B Recovery called "The Killer B's". The other set is a headphone called "Gray Ghost" (original) from Detector Pro.

When glancing at these two phones (See Figure 1), one might think they were identical or at least made by the same company. It is obvious that these two phones have identical outer cosmetic components.

FIGURE 1.
(Left to right: Killer B's, Gray Ghost)

For my particular opinion based test report, I will show the subtle differences between the two base models cosmetically, report on a basic sound level comparison, and finally compare the two price wise. Wanting to be up front with the reader, I want to note that I did not tear apart the phones to compare the inside wiring and speakers.

My metal detectors of choice, while testing these two brands, were the Whites XLT and the Tesoro Bandito uMax. When considering any headphone set, one should try them out on their particular detector before buying if possible.

External Similarities

Both sets are similar in having identical gray colored ear cups, foam inserts, cushions at the top of the head band, and identical hinge points where the ear cup connects at the point of pivot. Rather quickly, I was able to tell the difference between these headphones and the stock headphones that come with most detectors. Both should give hours of comfort having identical quality cushioning.

External Differences

When closely examining the two (see figure 2), one will notice slight differences that may or may not be important to the consumer. First is the volume knob. The Killer B's volume knob is slightly smaller than the Gray Ghost and has a rubber covered "soft-touch" plastic knob over metal. The Gray ghost knob is a basic plastic knob over metal. Both the Killer B's and Gray Ghost have notched volume but differ in that the Killer B's are micro notched with 40 notches while the Gray Ghost have only 10 notches. Placement also differs with The Killer B's volume knob centered towards the bottom, the Gray Ghost towards the bottom on the right side.

The second difference is the plug. While they both have the same style 1/4" right angle plug, gauge of cord, and appear heavy duty, they each differ slightly in unstretched length and amount of coils per plug cord.

The Gray Ghost is approximately 26" long (unstretched) and has fewer coils/loops in the cord (apprx. 60 loops or 11 total inches). The Killer B's plug cord is shorter at 22 inches long but has more coils/loops in the cord (apprx. 88 loops or 14 total inches of loops).

The mounting of the plug to the ear cup differs in that the Killer B's have a pig-tail nylon strain relief grommet at the ear cup while the Gray Ghost only has a basic rubber grommet with no incorporated strain relief. Location of entry for the cable also differs in that the Killer B's cable enters on the underside while the Gray Ghost enters at the bottom of the side near the volume knob but on the left side.

Both headphones contain identical stereo/mono switches, but are mounted in different locations. The Gray Ghost switch is mounted on the side above the phone plug cable, while the Killer B's switch is mounted on the underside to the right of the phone plug cable.

Finally, one last difference between the two is the cable that runs to the other ear cup. The Gray Ghost has a cable that enters the muff body close to the pivot point of the ear cup and has the same gauge cable as the phone plug cable. The Killer B's cable is of a larger gauge than the Gray Ghost but enters the ear cup in the upper right side of the ear cup farther away from the pivot point than the Gray Ghost. I understand that current production models of the Killer B's have now been upgraded with the cable entry closer to the pivot point.

FIGURE 2.
(Left to right: Killer B's, Gray Ghost)

External Comparison Summary

In my opinion, there are a few specific differences between the two that might affect performance and may be important to some consumers.

First the possible pro's for the Killer B's. This headphone has a headphone coil cable that is mounted in the underside of the ear cup which may help prevent it from being snagged in heavy brush. The Killer B's also includes strain relief at the entry point that may prevent wear and tear on the cable. Finally, the stereo/mono switch of the Killer B's is placed on the underside. This location may also help protect the switch from being flipped by a passing branch in heavy brush.

The pros for the Gray Ghost externally include the location of the cable that goes to the other ear cup. Being mounted closer to the swivel point means less total movement but with the heavier cord, the Killer B's shouldn't have much problem. I have also been notified that the Killer B's are now being produced with the cable closer to the pivot point.

Basic Sound Level Comparison

My volume comparison was basic in that I compared the low end and high end volume of each set while passing a quarter under my loop. When comparing the sound output of the two base models no special sound testing equipment was used nor really needed as the differences were obvious.
When turning the volume down on each set, differences did show up. The Gray Ghost were significantly lower in volume than the Killer B's although you could still hear the signal faintly with both detectors. This was due to the Gray Ghost' special built-in signal limiting circuitry to protect hearing from high volume hits.
When turning up the volume to the highest levels, the Killer B's had the highest volume (blaring) compared to the Gray Ghost which was close to comfortable at maximum volume due to the limiting circuitry. I was notified that limiting circuitry is now an option on Killer B's.

Note that when comparing the volume range between the two detectors the XLT was quieter than the Tesoro. Again, it is suggested that if possible one should try to demo a prospective headphone set on their particular detector before purchasing if possible if volume levels are important to you.

This volume report in itself does not determine that one set of phones has better sound than the other. It just shows the range of sound between the two machines on each headphone set tested and the effects of limiting circuitry on signal volume. This information may be important to those with hearing problems, interested in signal limiting circuitry, or those who like a particular signal volume. Since the limiting circuitry is available on both models this portion of the evaluation will mainly help a person decide whether the option is useful to them. See figure 3 for a basic explanation of the results.

FIGURE 3.

Lower Volume Killer B's vs. Gray Ghost Higher Volume

Price Comparison Chart

Conclusion

While resembling closely each other, each headphone set has slight differences that might attract a person to one or the other brand. These differences include but are not limited to the location of the stereo/mono switch, the existence of stress relief devices for the phone cables, the presence of signal limiting circuitry, and finally the price difference. Both products have limited lifetime warranties and offer features that should make them keepers for years to come.

After considering the pluses and minuses of both models, my vote goes to the Killer B's due to the significant price difference and the minor differences in the design that I feel gives the Killer B's an upper edge.

I hope I have provided some information that will make your choice more informative. Please feel free to e-mail any questions to me.

©2002